Family ski trip packing list: layers, gear and kids

How layering works

Skiing is cold on the lift and hot on the run. Layers let everyone adjust.

1. Base layer: a snug top and bottom in merino wool or synthetic fabric that pulls sweat off the skin. No cotton. Cotton holds sweat, and wet cotton is cold cotton.
2. Mid layer: a fleece or light puffy jacket for warmth. On a mild spring day, you might skip it.
3. Shell: a waterproof, windproof ski jacket and ski pants (or bibs). This is what keeps snow out.

How many base layers for a week?

Merino can often be worn two or more days before it needs washing, so a good rule of thumb is one base layer set for every two ski days, rounded up. For a 5-day ski week, that's three sets per skier. With laundry access, two can do it. Synthetic layers hold smells faster, so you might want one per day.

Kids who sweat a lot or spend half the day rolling in snow may need one per day. Pack at least one spare set per child either way.

Extremities: where the cold gets in

• Ski socks: one thin pair of wool or synthetic ski socks per ski day. Thick cotton socks are a classic mistake: they bunch inside the boot, cause blisters and get cold when damp. One pair only, never two layered.
• Gloves or mittens: one pair per person plus a spare. Mittens are usually warmer for small kids, and easier for them to put on. For kids under about 6, pack two spare pairs.
• Neck gaiter: warmer and simpler than a scarf, and nothing loose to dangle near the lift.
• Helmet: one per skier, your own or rented. Make sure it fits with goggles on.
• Goggles: one pair per skier, ideally fitting with the helmet. A low-light lens helps on gray days.
• A thin hat or helmet liner for cold days, and a warm hat for the walk to the lodge.
• Hand and toe warmers, about one pair per person per ski day in very cold places.

Sun and altitude

Snow reflects UV, and you get more sun at high elevation. The American Academy of Dermatology notes that the risk of sunburn increases with skiing and snowboarding because of the altitude and the UV reflected off snow (AAD), and the CDC's traveler guidance makes the same point (CDC).

• Sunscreen: broad-spectrum, SPF 30 or higher, on every bit of exposed skin. Reapply about every two hours.
• SPF lip balm: one each. Chapped lips are a near-certainty otherwise.
• Goggles or UV-blocking sunglasses for everyone, even on cloudy days.

Rent or bring?

• Usually rented: skis, boots, poles and, often, helmets. Rentals let kids get the right size for this season without buying new gear every year. Confirm exactly what your rental package includes before you go, especially helmets.
• Usually your own: goggles, gloves or mittens, ski socks, base layers, a neck gaiter, and outerwear.
• Reserve kids' rentals early for school-holiday weeks, and have heights, weights, shoe sizes and ages ready.
• Bringing your own boots? Many skiers bring boots even when renting skis, because boot fit is what makes or breaks the day.

Flying with skis

Ski gear counts toward your checked bags on most airlines, and each airline has its own rules. For example, United counts one ski bag (up to two pairs of skis) plus one boot bag as one checked bag, with overweight fees if the set is over 50 lb combined, and oversize fees waived (United). Other airlines differ, so check yours before you pack.

Tips:

• Boot bags on some airlines must contain only ski gear, not extra clothes.
• Many families carry ski boots on board, since boots are the hardest thing to replace if a bag goes missing.
• Pack your helmet and goggles inside the ski bag or carry them on so they don't get crushed.

Kids and ski school

• Check the ski school's own packing list. Many have specific rules, such as helmets required, snacks provided or not, and where to label things.
• Label everything. Twenty identical black mittens end up in one cubby.
• A small backpack is usually not allowed on the lift for younger kids, so put snacks and lip balm in jacket pockets.
• Pack a full change of base layers for the lodge in case of wet clothes.
• A card in their jacket with your phone number and name.

Age-by-age

• Baby (under 12 months): most resorts have childcare with minimum ages, so check. Pack a warm bunting suit, mittens, a warm hat, layers, and everything for indoor days. Keep outdoor time short in the cold, and ask your pediatrician before taking a baby to high altitude or out in very cold weather.
• Toddler (1 to 3): minimum ages for ski school vary by resort, so check before you book. Pack mittens with long cuffs, two spare pairs, a neck gaiter, and a full set of dry clothes for after.
• Kid (4 to 8): the full layering plan, plus hand warmers, a helmet that fits with goggles, and snacks in pockets.
• Tween (9 to 12): let them pack their own layers from the checklist, and give them responsibility for their goggles and gloves (and a spare pair, just in case).

Après and back at the lodge

• Warm, waterproof boots for walking around town or the lodge.
• Casual clothes for evenings: about one outfit for every two days, since you'll be in ski gear most of the day.
• A swimsuit if there's a hot tub or pool.
• A way to dry gear: a boot dryer if you have one, or stuffed newspaper. Hang gloves and liners overnight.
• A wet bag for damp gear on the way home.
• Moisturizer: mountain air is dry.
• Slippers for the condo.

What parents forget

What parents forget: goggles. They're small, they're in a drawer, and they matter as much as the jacket.

What parents forget: the second pair of mittens. The first pair will be soaked by 10 a.m.

What parents forget: lip balm with SPF. Sun and wind at altitude make quick work of lips.

What parents forget: labels. Ski school cubbies are a sea of identical black gear.

Let Packworthy layer it up

Packworthy builds a list for each traveler based on their age and checks the weather where you're going, so snow gear and the right outer layers for how cold each traveler runs are on the list when the forecast (or the usual weather, for trips far out) says they should be. Add hand warmers and spare mittens from the checklist above. Everyone gets their own section inside one shared family trip, so the kids' gear and yours are tracked separately.

FAQ

What should I wear skiing for the first time? A moisture-wicking base layer (no cotton), a fleece or light puffy, and a waterproof jacket and pants, with one pair of thin ski socks, gloves or mittens, a neck gaiter, a helmet and goggles.

How many base layers do I need for a week of skiing? With merino, about one set for every two ski days, so three sets for five ski days. With laundry, two can work. Kids may need one per day.

Should I rent or bring ski gear? Rentals usually cover skis, boots, poles and often helmets. Bring your own goggles, gloves, socks, layers and outerwear. Confirm what your rental includes.

Does a ski bag count as a checked bag? On most airlines, ski gear counts toward your checked bag allowance. United, for example, counts one ski bag and one boot bag as one checked bag, up to 50 lb combined. Check your airline's policy.

What do kids need for ski school? The full layering plan, mittens plus spares, a helmet, goggles, a neck gaiter, sunscreen and lip balm, everything labeled, and a dry change of clothes. Check the ski school's own list.

Related guides

• Most forgotten items when packing
• Packing list for a toddler flight
• Road trip with kids packing list